With only 11 days left to conduct the people’s work in Albany, I have begun to reflect on what we have accomplished during this year’s session and what remains unaddressed. Unfortunately, the latter weighs more heavily on my mind. Despite the tumult surrounding the downfall of two of Albany’s most powerful leaders and a controversial budget, the Legislature has yet to address many common-sense issues that continue to plague our state.

A budget of misguided priorities was met with great disappointment by middle- class families and business owners. We did little to address the irresponsible implementation of Common Core that continues to plague our schools, and we further alienated teachers and students by forcefully passing new teacher evaluations and leaving implementation up to faceless bureaucrats.

I will continue to call for the Assembly Minority’s alternative to Common Core, which would re-evaluate the standards and allow teachers and real education stakeholders a larger say in the process. We cannot continue to oppress one of our state’s most valuable resources and expect favorable results. Join me in fighting for our teachers and reforming Common Core at www.childrenbeforepolitics.com.

Despite the highest taxes in the nation, legislative leadership has sat silent while families struggle to make ends meet and see their property taxes continue to soar. Right here on Long Island, we have some of the highest property taxes in the state and plans implemented by Gov. Cuomo and the Assembly Majority continue to benefit a select few while the rest of the state is ignored. The Assembly needs to follow the Senate’s lead and make the property tax cap permanent while instituting a middle-class tax cut that will allow families to better fund their children’s education and stimulate New York’s sluggish economy with increased spending.

This year’s session has been one for the ages, surrounded by debate and turmoil. With so little time left, let’s put all that behind us and focus on helping our constituents and making New York a better place to live for us all.